Just as she was about to speak, Zhu Yan hesitated, an inexplicable uncertainty rising within her heart.
Seeing Zhu Yan’s difficulty, Chen Wen realized the gravity of the situation. “Girl, if anything is troubling you, tell your master. I’ll help you as much as I can.”
Reassured by her master’s promise, Zhu Yan felt relieved and took a deep breath before speaking. “Master, although the serial murder case has been solved, there are still many aspects I don’t understand. Those who were killed all had some connection to Lai Luo Zhi. I wonder… could there be something we haven’t uncovered?”
Hearing this, Chen Wen’s expression turned grim. “Didn’t you just say the matter is over? Since it’s over, let it be. If they are connected, so be it. It has nothing to do with us.”
“Master, do you also wish to remain uninvolved?” Zhu Yan was surprised by Chen Wen’s response, her eyes showing a hint of disappointment. “We examine bodies and investigate cases to reveal the truth to the world. Although this case is closed, many clues don’t add up, so…”
“Girl,” Chen Wen interrupted Zhu Yan before she could finish, “Lai Luo Zhi and his associates have a notorious reputation and are backed by the Empress. The complexities involved are not something we can unravel with a few words. Whether in court or among the people, no one dares to offend him. Even Shen Du, who is his equal, serves as a counterbalance. Unless it’s a matter of great importance, it’s best not to provoke them.”
“Master…” Zhu Yan’s eyes reflected her disappointment, which pained Chen Wen. “I know you are righteous and passionate, and I’m proud of that. But you can’t handle everything strictly by the book. You’re not alone; you have the Zhu family, the Shen household, and many friends and relatives. Do you want everyone to suffer because of you?”
Chen Wen’s words left Zhu Yan speechless. In essence, he was advising her to abandon the matter.
The extent of Lai Luo Zhi’s power was something she dared not contemplate.
This was not a mere sapling but an entire forest with intertwined roots. Toppling him would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.
“I understand, Master.”
With a heavy heart, Zhu Yan bid farewell to Chen Wen. As she walked through the bustling streets, everything seemed surreal to her.
Every face was adorned with smiles, the nation was at peace, and prosperity was evident.
Yet behind this facade, a dark force manipulated everything, ready to devour anyone who misstepped.
Is this life truly good?
Unconsciously, Zhu Yan found herself at the gates of the Zhu residence. Zhu Kuo seemed to be heading out for some business, but upon seeing Zhu Yan lost in thought, he paused.
“Xiao Liu,” Zhu Kuo hurried over, noticing Zhu Yan’s downcast expression, assuming she had been wronged at the Shen household.
Feeling guilty, he quickly comforted her, “Did you quarrel with Shen Du again? It’s my fault for marrying you to him.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan quickly explained, “No, no, it has nothing to do with him. I’m just puzzled by some things and got lost in thought.”
“Oh?” Zhu Kuo was surprised. Everyone praised Xiao Liu for her intelligence, yet there were things she couldn’t figure out.
“What is it that puzzles you? Tell me, and I’ll help you sort it out.”
Zhu Yan hesitated, then after a moment of thought, she looked at her father seriously and asked, “Is the presence of Lai Luo Zhi truly that terrifying?”
Zhu Kuo was puzzled by Zhu Yan’s question, but he knew well the fearsome reputation of Lai Luo Zhi.
“Why do you ask?” Zhu Kuo replied, “The methods of Lai Luo Zhi are known throughout the land. Whether he’s terrifying or not isn’t for us to decide.”
“Father,” Zhu Yan said righteously, “although the murder case is solved, many clues don’t match. I want to continue investigating. What do you think about this matter…”
“Shh…” Before Zhu Yan could finish, Zhu Kuo quickly gestured for silence, stopping her words.
“Xiao Liu, you mustn’t speak carelessly about this,” Zhu Kuo warned, his voice filled with fear. “Let this matter rest. Don’t pursue it further. The case is closed; let it be.”
Zhu Yan was utterly speechless. Everyone advised her to give up, even her master and father.
Should she abandon it?
Returning to the Shen residence in a daze, Zhu Yan found no peace.
Her empty heart felt like a vast pit, desperately needing to be filled. But the “soil” she needed was the information about Lai Luo Zhi and the truth behind it all.
What should she do?
Shen Du lay beside her, his breathing steady with eyes slightly closed, but Zhu Yan knew he wasn’t asleep.
Like a restless child, Zhu Yan tossed and turned in bed. Shen Du, ever vigilant, couldn’t possibly be asleep.
“If you keep fidgeting, I’ll throw you out,” Shen Du warned, not even opening his eyes to look at her.
Zhu Yan quickly turned over, grabbing Shen Du’s arm. His eyes suddenly opened.
“Then calm my heart,” Zhu Yan said expectantly, “Lai Luo Zhi and his associates, what exactly…”
“Shut up,” Shen Du interrupted before she could finish. “It’s time to sleep. If you keep chattering, I’ll sew your mouth shut.”
“Then go ahead and sew it,” Zhu Yan retorted, sitting up and glaring at Shen Du. “Why do you all know, but I don’t? I just want to understand the truth. Why won’t you tell me?”
Shen Du’s eyes darkened, but he remained calm, unmoved by Zhu Yan’s outburst.
“Those stopping you from investigating are doing it for your sake. Why can’t you consider others?”
Shen Du’s words left Zhu Yan speechless. He was right; everyone was trying to protect her, not just out of fear of Lai Luo Zhi, but to keep her safe.
Yet the more they shielded her, the more she wanted to uncover the truth, like a stubborn ox determined to break through the wall.
“This matter ends here,” Shen Du’s voice deepened, carrying a warning. “Do not pursue it further.”
With that, his long eyes closed again.
Whether asleep or not, it was clear he didn’t want to discuss it further.
Zhu Yan opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come.
Frustrated, she lay back down. Perhaps she shouldn’t have asked Shen Du in the first place.